Pint of Guinness at The Fiddler’s Elbow, Santa Maria Novella in the background, Watercolour on Paper (2023)
During my MA studies at Gray’s school of art (2019-21) I was fortunate to be awarded a John Kinross scholarship by the Royal Scottish Academy, enabling me to study in Florence. I undertook the scholarship in October 2022, and have added a selection of works relating to the scholaship to the website at this page: https://mattwells.art.blog/florence/
For years I have periodically painted still life paintings of skulls. Sometimes these have taken a vanitas approach incorporating incorporating other symbolic elements (flowers/coins/ objects) to suggest a narrative or deeper meaning to the viewer.
More frequently they are something of a portrait of the skull where it is the sole or primary aspect of the composition .
In addition to attempting to develop a striking image, these paintings function as a form of painting practice, where I try to develop aspects of my skill and techniques.
Below are some recent examples:
Matt Wells Art 